Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a quick and satisfying one-pan dinner that combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a luscious cream sauce all tossed with penne pasta. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners—easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and endlessly customizable to suit your dietary needs.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1 cup chopped asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the Veggies: Add mushrooms and asparagus to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 300mg

Creamy Meets Fresh in Every Bite

What sets this dish apart is the balance of rich and fresh flavors. The cream sauce brings luxurious texture and depth, coating every strand of pasta in smooth, velvety goodness. But it’s the freshness of the vegetables and herbs that elevates the entire experience. Asparagus adds a bright, crisp contrast to the richness, while mushrooms deepen the flavor with their earthy umami. Together with juicy, well-seasoned chicken, every bite is creamy, hearty, and fresh all at once. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy—just deeply satisfying.

Chicken for Heartiness and Protein

Chicken is a go-to protein for many reasons—it’s lean, versatile, and quick to cook. In this recipe, it’s cut into bite-sized pieces and sautéed until golden and juicy. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance its natural flavor, while salt and pepper add the finishing touch. The result is chicken that’s flavorful but not overpowering, allowing it to meld seamlessly with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Whether you use breast or thigh meat, the chicken adds protein and substance, making this a complete meal in one pan.

The Veggie Duo: Mushrooms and Asparagus

Few vegetable pairings work as harmoniously as mushrooms and asparagus. Mushrooms bring an earthy, savory element that adds depth to the dish, while asparagus brings a burst of color and crunch that keeps things vibrant. Their textures complement each other beautifully—the mushrooms soft and meaty, the asparagus crisp and bright. As they sauté alongside the chicken, they soak up the flavors of the skillet, making each ingredient taste like it belongs. These veggies don’t just play a supporting role—they’re central to what makes this dish so well-balanced.

The Secret is in the Sauce

A good cream sauce is the heart of any great pasta dish, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Made with either heavy cream or half-and-half, it delivers just the right level of richness without being overly heavy. The cream gently simmers in the skillet, thickening slightly and absorbing the savory flavors left behind by the chicken and vegetables. The sauce clings beautifully to the penne, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. It’s finished with a sprinkle of grated parmesan and fresh herbs, which add brightness and complexity to the final dish.

Penne Pasta: The Ideal Choice

Penne pasta is perfect for this recipe. Its tubular shape holds onto the sauce, while its firm texture stands up well to the other hearty ingredients. It’s easy to cook and even easier to eat, making it a great choice for both adults and kids. If you’re looking to switch it up, other short pastas like rigatoni or rotini would work well too, but penne offers a classic feel and great bite that’s hard to beat.

Quick and Easy, Yet Impressive

One of the best things about this dish is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s a true weeknight hero—simple enough to make on a busy day, yet impressive enough to serve guests. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means cleanup is a breeze. It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it, even when you didn’t.

Customizable to Your Taste

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Swap the cream for a plant-based alternative to make it dairy-free, or use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier take. Don’t eat meat? Skip the chicken and add more mushrooms or toss in chickpeas or tofu. Want to add heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick. You can even mix in other veggies like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to change things up. The base recipe is reliable, but the possibilities are endless.

Nutritionally Satisfying

Despite its creamy nature, this dish offers a balanced profile of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Chicken provides a solid protein source, while the vegetables contribute vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Olive oil adds healthy unsaturated fats, and the cream—especially if you use half-and-half—keeps things indulgent without going overboard. The parmesan garnish adds flavor and a bit of calcium. Overall, it’s a meal that satisfies your cravings without feeling too heavy or overly rich.

Great for Leftovers and Meal Prep

This pasta dish also holds up well for leftovers. The cream sauce stays smooth and reheats nicely with a splash of milk or pasta water. Whether you’re packing lunch for work or prepping dinner for the next day, it remains just as tasty. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it within a couple of days for the best texture and flavor. It’s comfort food that keeps on giving.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a true one-pan wonder. It brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich cream sauce in a way that feels both comforting and refined. The mushrooms and asparagus bring freshness and texture, while the creamy sauce ties everything together in a satisfying, crave-worthy package. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or treating yourself after a long day, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—exactly what a go-to pasta recipe should be. Keep it in your weekly rotation, and it just might become your new favorite comfort meal.